The reference 96 is a cornerstone of vintage Patek Philippe. It was the first example of what is today possibly the most elegant and distinguished line of time-only dress watches ever: the Calatrava collection.

Launched in 1932, it was not only the first Calatrava, but also one of the very first Patek Philippe models to feature a reference number. In keeping with its Bauhaus design origins, it has no additional or unnecessary decorations; rather, the case and dial design achieves much with clean and elegant lines. One could consider the refeence 96 as the benchmark for all future dress watches. The birth of the reference 96 also coincides with the year the Stern family acquired Patek Philippe and of course, instituted the reference number system.

Throughout its lengthy production cycle, from 1932 until 1973, a wide array of variations were made, with a diverse range of dials in combination with case metals – most often in yellow gold, but also in stainless steel, pink gold, white gold, and platinum as well as two-tone iterations. The present model in 18K pink gold is fitted with a beautifully preserved silvered dial with pink gold baton indexes and subsidiary seconds. Crisp hallmarks and lightly oxidized baton indexes indicate very careful treatment with regards to the condition of this watch, and a recent service from Patek Philippe ensures this 96 is wrist ready.